What best describes cooperative learning in an educational context?

Cooperative learning is best described as an approach that employs organized small groups for student interaction. This method encourages students to work together collaboratively to achieve shared educational goals. In a cooperative learning environment, each group member has a specific role, and through structured activities, students engage with one another, share ideas, and support each other’s learning.

This approach fosters critical social skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are vital for both academic and life success. The focus on interaction allows students to learn from each other, enhancing their understanding of the content through discussion and cooperation. Thus, organizing students into small groups is central to the philosophy of cooperative learning, making it distinct from other instructional models that may prioritize whole-class instruction, independent tasks, or teacher-led discussions.